In the 90s I owned a consulting practice. I often stayed late on New Year’s Eve because I wanted to tally up our final profit and loss numbers! It wasn’t to greedily examine my profits. Instead, it was to determine how much extra I could give to charity before the tax year ended. Joy would fill my heart as I […]

According to Mobilecause.com, 12% of total annual giving is done in the last three days of the year and 30% is done in the month of December. This begs the question, “Why?” Taxes is certainly a part of the answer, but as I work with many generous business leaders, I have realized that December is much like the harvest season […]

Christian cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Caroline Leaf, in her book “Switch on Your Brain,” says, “How we think not only affects our own spirit, soul and body but also people around us.” The thoughts we dwell on impact every area of our lives. They are indicators of our future success.  Our thoughts frame our success even in relationships. If we dwell […]

Are you facing a business dilemma? Any dilemma typically presents two options.  One aligns with your beliefs but is challenging. The other will be an easier road but doesn’t align with your beliefs. Abraham demonstrated God’s blessings come from walking in obedience. As he faced the altar of sacrifice with his son, Isaac, each step of obedience rippled out to […]

When my son was young, I watched Muppet’s Christmas Carol often. In the movie, Scrooge has a remarkable transformation from a greedy miser to a generous employer. Scrooge’s transformation came in part from being shown his miserly life through a different lens. I believe it also came from his sudden understanding of the value of generosity. When Scrooge realized that […]

When my son was young, I watched Muppet’s Christmas Carol more times than I can count. In the movie, Scrooge has a remarkable transformation from a greedy miser to a generous employer. If you’ve ever been an employer who has had to cover payroll, you can probably relate somewhat to Scrooge’s view on Christmas. Scrooge believed being forced to give […]

In business we can easily get into a cat and mouse game of chasing titles.  Our human nature hungers for notoriety and recognition. We long for someone or something to make us feel important. Isaiah 62:2 says, “The nations will see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name which the […]

Coach John Wooden said, “being an effective leader requires being an effective listener.” When we take on a leadership role, we often suppose we were put in charge to speak, not to listen. However, as Mr. Wooden informs us, listening to those around us is our most critical leadership tool.  As we listen, we gain insight into the ideas, hearts […]

Sometimes God limits our resources. You might ask, “Why would God limit what’s needed to accomplish my goals?” God gave Adam and Eve unlimited resources, with one restriction; they were not to eat from the tree of good or evil. When the serpent convinced them they could be like God if they violated God’s one restriction, they later discovered God […]

Whether it’s one large customer or one significant donor, when your revenue comes significantly from one person, your organization faces danger. Real trouble can come if anything goes wrong with that relationship. Another pitfall of having too much dependence upon one customer is the influence they might have. As your revenue becomes dependent upon one customer, you can be pressured […]